A youth ambassador attended hustings with potential MEPs to persuade them to put an end to poverty.

Peris Thuo, of Theobald Street, Borehamwood, is a youth ambassador for the campaigning organisation ONE, which wants to end extreme poverty and preventable diseases.

Ahead of this month’s European elections, Peris met prospective MEPs Seb Dance, Violeta Vagda, Jonathan Fryer and Glyn Chambers in an attempt to convince them to sign the One Vote 2014 pledge.

The pledge calls for all newly elected MEPs to keep their promise to finance the fight against poverty.

Peris said: “Meeting the MEPs at international development hustings was a fantastic opportunity to show just how many people want to see an end to extreme poverty. Our representatives in Europe must know that this is an issue we really care about and want to see action on.

“We discussed some of the key issues ONE campaigns on, like agriculture, health care and access to energy, and how European leaders can help make governments and companies more transparent and accountable.”

The UK Youth Ambassadors programme was set up earlier this year and brought 25 young people from across the country together to launch ONE’s six month campaign.

Bill Gates attended the Paris launch of the Youth Ambassadors programme, and said: “Development aid is a phenomenal investment – it saves children’s lives and helps families lift themselves out of poverty. The United Kingdom and the EU have shown great leadership and have had huge impact by making smart investments in programmes that focus on helping the world’s poorest.

“Those of us who see the phenomenal results of aid have a responsibility to speak up to ensure this work continues despite tough economic times. That is why I am excited to see the young people of the UK stepping up as 'factivists' to help spread the truth. With continued focus and investment, I believe this can be the generation to end extreme poverty."